In this episode of The Lens: Living Diverse, host Ben sits down with the legendary Kelly MacDonald, celebrated broadcaster and host of AMI’s Kelly & Company. Kelly shares his journey as a Black man living with sight loss navigating the entertainment and broadcasting industry. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of breaking into an industry that, at one time, overlooked diversity in race, disability, and body image. Kelly discusses the evolution of representation in media and addresses questions about identity, including the perception of “not sounding Black” within both the Blind community and society at large. He also offers practical advice for aspiring entertainers and broadcasters about overcoming similar barriers. Don’t miss this insightful episode where Kelly lifts the lid on the wisdom beneath his signature fedora!

You can find Kelly on:

Instagram: @kellyandcoami

X (Twitter): @amikellymac

In the final episode of Dollars Seen Differently, Graham Dobbs from TMU discusses the basics of cryptocurrency. Graham explains that cryptocurrency, unlike traditional currency, is a decentralized digital form of money, often managed through blockchain technology. He explores types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, altcoins, and stable coins, and discusses the security risks, volatility, and privacy features that distinguish them from traditional currencies. Graham also considers how cryptocurrencies may act more as a speculative investment than as practical currency substitutes. This episode offers listeners an informative look into cryptocurrency’s complex role in today’s economy, highlighting both its potential and challenges.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%2010%20-%20An%20Introduction%20To%20Cryptocurrency%20.pdf

In Episode 9 of Dollar Seen Differently, Ryan Chin from Sunlife Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the importance and types of life insurance available for individuals, including those with disabilities. Chin shares that life insurance is often sought to cover debts, leave a legacy, or handle final expenses, and it can help protect loved ones financially. He introduces three main types of life insurance: Term Insurance (temporary, covering a set period), Permanent Insurance (covers an individual’s entire life), and Participating Permanent Insurance (a policy that grows in value over time through dividends). He discusses eligibility, the application process, and how risk factors like age, health, and lifestyle impact premiums and policy approval. For those with pre-existing conditions, some policies may still be available with risk assessment. Chin encourages consulting with a knowledgeable advisor to determine the right coverage based on personal needs and goals.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%209%20-%20Life%20Insurance.pdf

In Episode 8 of Dollars Seen Differently, we cover the essentials of financial literacy, focusing on debts, loans, and taxes. The episode discusses different types of loans—such as credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, and payday loans—highlighting their pros and cons. The speakers emphasize the importance of managing debt responsibly, understanding interest rates, and the dangers of consumerism. They also explain how poor financial decisions can lead to long-term consequences, including damaged credit scores and mental stress. The episode wraps up by discussing the importance of filing taxes annually, even for those without income, and how missing tax deadlines can result in lost government benefits and penalties.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%208%20-%20Debt%20and%20Taxes%20-%20The%20Basics.pdf

In Episode 7 of Dollars Seen Differently, Sheldon Brown highlights CNIB’s wide range of scholarships and bursaries, which support students across Canada, addressing both financial need and accessibility requirements for those with sight loss. Katja introduces NEADS’ financial assistance program, which offers grants and partner-funded scholarships, aimed at reducing student debt and improving accessibility on campus. Both speakers emphasize the importance of early preparation, meeting eligibility criteria, and making an emotional connection in scholarship applications. Katja also mentions disabilityawards.ca, a useful resource to search for additional disability-specific scholarships.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%207%20-%20Scholarships%20For%20Students%20With%20Disabilities.pdf

In Episode 6 of Dollars Seen Differently, Joanna Angelidis from BCIT and Ellis Parsons from CNIB discuss financial aid options for students, especially those with disabilities. They explore various resources, including the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities and provincial student loans, while emphasizing the importance of early planning, understanding eligibility requirements, and staying organized throughout the application process. They advise students to consult both financial aid and accessibility services at their post-secondary institution to receive comprehensive guidance. Ellis explains that students can customize loan amounts and avoid loans if grants meet their needs. The discussion covers the six-month grace period for student loan repayments post-graduation, suggesting students aim for grants to avoid repayment altogether. Persistence, organization, and leveraging support networks are highlighted as crucial to navigating financial aid.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%206%20-%20Financial%20Aid%20For%20Post-Secondary%20Students.pdf

In Episode 5 of Dollars Seen Differently, financial expert Selene Mathews-Negash discusses various registered accounts available in Canada, including the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). She debunks common myths, such as the misconception that RRSP funds are locked in until retirement and explains the importance of using these accounts to maximize savings. Selene also highlights the significance of starting an emergency fund and offers advice on where to begin investing based on individual goals, emphasizing the importance of government-provided grants and bonds in accounts like the RESP. The episode provides listeners with practical insights into choosing and utilizing the right accounts for their financial needs.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%205%20-%20Registered%20Accounts.pdf

In Episode 4 of Dollars Seen Differently, Ryan Chin from Sun Life Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), designed for Canadians with disabilities to save long-term and grow tax-free until withdrawal. The RDSP offers government benefits through grants and bonds, potentially providing up to $90,000 in combined contributions over the plan’s lifetime. Ryan discusses eligibility requirements, making contributions, and how contributions can be matched through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG). And he shares how the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) can offer additional money to low-income individuals, even if they don’t contribute. He also emphasizes that knowledgeable advisors can be valuable in navigating RDSP complexities.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%204%20-%20Registered%20Disability%20Savings%20Plan%20%28RDSP%29.pdf

Episode 3 of Dollars Seen Differently discusses two significant financial benefits available to Canadians with disabilities: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit aimed at individuals with severe, prolonged disabilities, helping reduce taxes and access other programs like the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Child Disability Benefit (CDB), and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The CPPD provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a disability, provided they have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and have a severe and prolonged disability. The speakers emphasize the importance of filing appeals if applications are denied and provide tips for the application process.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%203%20-%20Disability%20Benefits%20%28Disability%20Tax%20Credit%20%26%20CPP%20Disability%20Benefit%29.pdf

In Episode 2 of Dollars Seen Differently, Prosper Canada, a national charity, offers financial empowerment tools for Canadians, including the Benefits Way Finder and the Disability Benefits Compass. These free, accessible tools help users identify and apply for government benefits, particularly those often overlooked by low- to moderate-income individuals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these tools in enhancing financial well-being by providing easy access to various financial supports across Canada.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%202%20-%20Finding%20Government%20Benefits%20With%20Prosper%20Canada.pdf